From My Hometown, with Heartache 💔 (Issue #108)
The story behind this week’s bonus episode of Truer Crime, and the heartbreak that made it necessary
Hi friends,
As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s been a rough week here in Minnesota. A man named Vance Boelter went on a killing spree in the early hours of Saturday, June 15th, targeting political figures and ultimately murdering Senator Melissa Hotman and her husband, Mark. The original shooting and the subsequent two-day manhunt have really defined this week for me. It’s unsettling, confusing, and ultimately a lot to process. Information on what really happened that night is still coming out, but I’ve been reading whatever I can to try to make sense of such a shocking tragedy. And, as is normal for me, I’ve been left with a lot of questions.
So, I decided to record my thoughts in a special episode of Truer Crime, which was just released this morning. Here’s the description:
Early Saturday morning, a man disguised as a police officer went door to door in the Minneapolis suburbs with a hit list. He shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. He murdered State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. He nearly reached my own childhood senator, Ann Rest.
This was a political assassination – and it happened in my hometown.
In this bonus episode, Olivia and I walk through what we know, what we still don’t, and the questions we can’t stop asking: Could this have been prevented? Why was it so easy for the killer to impersonate a cop? And what does accountability look like when the truth is still unfolding?
We also speak with News Nation reporter Brian Entin, who traveled to Minnesota to cover the story as it happened, about what he’s learned on the ground and what might come next.
You can listen to the episode, titled “A Line Crossed: The Political Assassination in Minnesota,” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
Note: Links preceded by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links that allow me to collect a small commission when you purchase something I’ve recommended. That said, I can promise I’ll only ever share items I love. Buying through these links is one way to support me and my small biz. ❤️
The Atlantic: The Mother Who Never Stopped Believing Her Son Was Still There, by Sarah Zhang
Nearly 40 years ago, 17-year-old Ian Berg was left with a severe brain injury after a car accident. He was unable to move or speak, and doctors believed he had lost all cognitive function. However, his mother, Eve Baer, never gave up hope. She was convinced that her son was still conscious, despite his seemingly vegetative state. Recently, medical professionals confirmed that Eve was right. This article explores Ian’s remarkable story and the advancements in science and medicine that are reshaping the understanding and treatment of severe brain injuries.
History: This Auschwitz Doctor Who Saved Women’s Lives Was Also a Fellow Inmate, by Brynn Holland
This article covers the story of Dr. Gisella Perl, who was both an inmate and the head women’s doctor at Auschwitz. Her work included providing abortions to women prisoners who were assaulted by SS officers, a procedure that would prove life-saving for many. This under-told history is as important as it is horrifying.
Book: I Who Have Never Known Men* by Jacqueline Harpman
I’ve heard this book recommended widely, and I’m highly intrigued by the premise. Here’s the description: “Deep underground, forty women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only a vague recollection of their lives before. As the burn of electric light merges day into night and numberless years pass, a young girl—the fortieth prisoner—sits alone and outcast in the corner. Soon she will show herself to be the key to the others' escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them above ground.”
Action items to support and care for the world around us.
As a true crime storyteller, I often think about the people left behind in the aftermath of tragedy. So, after Mark and Melissa Hortman were murdered, I went looking for ways to support. What I found was this GoFundMe, started by Melissa’s sister. Here’s the fundraiser’s description:
Mark and Melissa Hortman along with their golden retriever Gilbert were tragically assassinated on June 14, 2025 by a man posing as a police officer at their front door at 3:30AM. In the ensuing police response to capture the assassin, their home, garage and cars were severely damaged in a hail of bullets, stun grenades and tear gas canisters. We are grateful the efforts by the police did succeed to capture the killer, Vance Boelter, in a statewide manhunt.
Mark and Melissa are survived by their children Colin and Sophie Hortman.
I created this gofundme to raise funds to help Colin and Sophie repair the home, car and garage, help cover the costs of the funeral, and the associated costs of laying their parents to rest. I greatly miss my sister Melissa and brother-in-law Mark and want to help my niece and nephew through this difficult time and help cover the expenses this tragedy has incurred.
I donated $25, are you able to match my donation?
Also, I recommend checking out this post from the Star Tribune honoring Mark Hortman. There have been many meaningful memorials and tributes to Melissa, and I’m glad to see Mark getting his moment, too.
Things to try + share in the group chat.
Last year, Andrew and I started experimenting with co-op games as a nerdy way to spice up date night. 😉 Since then, I found this swipe graphic, which has a ton of options, sorted by category!
Yet another Shark Tank project I can get behind, Remento is a great way to record family stories and memories for future generations. Similar to Storywoth (another fave), Remento creates custom memory books based on the stories you submit. However, while Storyworth requires you to write, Remento operates through video recordings, complete with a QR code to the video and a full transcript on each page. Still curious? Here’s a great video explainer of how it works.
Last week, I shared a few updates coming to this newsletter, plus my latest comfort binge, the sheet-pan fried rice I’m dying to try, and lots more!
Have a great weekend!
Want to stay connected between now and next Friday? Don’t be a stranger!! Make sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok. Know someone who you think would like Sincerely, Celisia? It would mean the world if you could help spread the word by sharing this newsletter through the button below!! <3